"Well, no, not really. The meager choice used here range from Carter "good" to indispensible, but the vast array of Carter riches available renders this selection meaningless at best, misleading at worst. And the use of a three decades later remake of "Wildwood Flower" is inexcuseable. Better to buy, piece-meal, the classic Rounder 9-volume series and see the whole picture, or hold back your pennies for the impatiently awaited 12-volume box set due soon from Bear Family. Of the other volumes available, the Country Hall Of Fame album is of major interest, the missing link of the 1936-38 Decca sessions, it has "Hello, Stranger" and fine remastering. "Clinch Mountain Treasures" has even more of A.P.'s eclectic choices, uncollected from 1939-1940, including "Heaven"s Radio" and "There'll Be No Distinction There". The Border radio transcripions are marred by poor sound and daughter Janette's yowling, but it does have more original songs, a couple of brilliant versions of "Just Another Broken Heart", and to be fair to Janette, an utterly bone-chilling "Oh, Death". (And also to Janette: her talents were really elsewhere. In the early-80's she penned a lovely memoir, not so much about her famous parents and aunt as of an apparently very good soul growing up in the shadow of Clinch Mountain. It's long out-of-print, though may still be available in local libraries, and I wish it had been twice as long.)"
Nostalgic return to the originals of country music, awesome
H. Marshall | 07/24/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This CD gives one the chance to step back in time to the originals of country music. Although the background is a bit 'raspy" the feeling comes through.The pliantive vocals harkened me back to my childhood in the fifties. It brought back memories of Hank Williams, Kitty Wells, Ernest Tubbs and Red Sovine etc. Although, the original Carters were much earlier than the fifties, the music has much of the plaintive quality of the country music of the fifties. This is country music with all the feeling with little adornment. You can almost feel the sadness and bitterness when you listen to the music.This album bears little resemblance to the "syrupy" country music of today. One feels little glamour and a "lot of country" while listening to the Carters.For the purist this album takes a front seat place .I whole heartedly endorse it."
The Best Of The Best.......?
Gary Moats | 01/26/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"With out a doubt, this is a very good collection of the Carter Family's hits. But, it would be impossible to pick out any 10 of thier songs and call them the best of the best. This collection left me feeling hungry for more. While this CD does give one a taste of the quality of the Carter's talents a true Carter fan would be better served by the rounder series. Every song of the Carters is a treasure and a true fan will want to hear them every one."
Until I purchase a more comprehensive compilation, this will
TimothyFarrell22 | Massachusetts | 09/19/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I picked this up for cheap in a used CD rack at my local record shop, and I can say I certainly got my money's worth. The ten songs on here do a perfect job of showing off the Carter Family's talents, and until a pick up a more hearty compilation, this will do (I don't have money to buy the Bear Family box set, nor do I have the money to buy any of the Bear Family's box sets). The songs collected here are raw and unproduced, as was all music was back than. It paints a picture of an "Oh Brother Where Art Thou"-era south that doesn't exist anymore, and may never have. The songs aren't technically awe-inspiring, but soul easilly trumps technical acheivements anyday. The singing and the songwriting are some of the most impassioned and soulful I have ever heard, and anyone with an appreciation of good music will fall in love with the group (or at least recognize their importance). I plan to pick up a more comprehensive anthology (which will probably regulate this to being sold used), but until than this will do fine, or if you just want a short budget sampler in your collection."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1